Dr Michael Mosley is well-known for his TV medical programmes and regular appearances on BBC shows such as The One Show and ITV's This Morning. The former doctor turned journalist and presenter often provides general medical or diet advice to fans but now, the fan favourite has revealed his own approach to alcohol.
While some may assume him to be teetotal, actually the TV medic may have struck the perfect balance between enjoying a drink and staying healthy, but the advice comes with a warning. Approaches to alcohol often come under scrutiny from scientists and doctors.
We regularly see reports that argue consuming any alcohol is bad for you, while other studies argue some drinks may have protective qualities.
Mosley, writing for his Fast 800 diet programme website, said: "Current UK guidelines – which are much lower than in Italy and Spain – advise limiting alcohol intake to 14 units a week (or around seven 175ml glasses of 12 percent ABV wine). However, the problem with units is that they are almost impossible to pin down."
The effect of alcohol on the body varies from person to person and an individual's metabolism. This means drinking what one person considers 'modest amounts' could lead to major health issues for another. However, speaking about his own consumption and habits, Coventry Live reported Michael as saying: "I try to drink within the recommended guidelines of seven medium-sized glasses of wine a week, and I follow the principles of 5:2 - having a drink five nights a week and not drinking for two," he said. This statement, however, comes with multiple warnings.
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Michael continued: "Alcohol can raise your mood, but when you go beyond the recommended guidelines you are increasing your risk of depression and anxiety."
While some studies, many of which have been criticised as flawed, suggest red wine could have heart-protective qualities, Dr Mosley writes that: "After a glass or two a day, the benefits drop off pretty dramatically and disadvantages start to emerge, particularly the risk of liver and breast cancer."
Despite this, Dr Mosley doesn't say cut it out entirely if you enjoy the occasional glass of red wine. Instead, he favours "mindful" alcohol consumption, which sees drinkers savour their glass of red instead of gulping it down. This, he hopes, results in a reduction in how much people drink and could lead to weight loss for many.
Alcohol risks
With the advent of 'dry January' and of course, the age old tradition of giving something up for Lent, total abstinence from alcohol is sometimes opted for by individuals, and the TV doctor is no exception. Back in January 2016, Dr Mosley abstained from drinking for the entire month and got the advice of experts during this period. One specialist he spoke to was Prof Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre for Addiction Research at the University of Victoria in Canada.
The expert, who advised the UK on their own alcohol guidelines, said there are no biochemical benefits to drinking. He commented: "There's 60 different ways at least that alcohol can make you unwell or kill you.
"It's not just the obvious things like liver disease. A man drinking three to four units a day increases his risk of developing prostate cancer by 23 percent. Alcohol, at whatever level, raises a woman's risk of breast cancer. There'd be 10 per cent fewer deaths from breast cancer worldwide if there was no drinking."
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